Military Commissions Act

Go watch Keith Olberman ripping Bush a new one on the Military Commissions Act:

“With the distance of history, the questions will be narrowed and few: Did this generation of Americans take the threat seriously, and did we do what it takes to defeat that threat?”

Wise words. And ironic ones, Mr. Bush. Your own, of course, yesterday, in signing the Military Commissions Act. You spoke so much more than you know, Sir. Sadly – of course – the distance of history will recognize that the threat this generation of Americans needed to take seriously was you.

I have to ask this: how come there are no huge demonstrations on the streets, riots and civil disobedience? How come no one cares? Our president just signed into law a bill that gives him despotic power to imprison without a trail anyone he declares an unlawful enemy combatant. Such power was previously reserved only for tyrants, despots and kings. The system of checks and balances is gone, and no one in this courtry seems to fucking care…

Whoever thinks that the American people would not stand for a dictator, wake up we already have one. The times of overthrowing a government that is armed with spears and knives is over. This is a real military with real bullets, ones that explode on impact. You get shot in the leg, you die.

The United States of America has conceded moral defeat in the war on terror. By passing the Military Commissions Act of 2006, the Republican controlled congress and President Bush have said that we must fight the tyranny and cruelty of terror with tyranny and cruelty. The federal leadership does not believe they can keep America safe while maintaining respect for human rights and without resorting to torture. The terrorists have succeeded in terrorizing America’s federal leadership into sacrificing core American values to the altar of fear.

Even if the Military Commissions Act of 2006 works, it would purchase security through tyranny and torture. The result: an America that is a secure tyrant and torturer.

I do not believe the Military Commissions Act of 2006 can work. Terrorists can now use America’s human rights abuses and inhumane acts to recruit more terrorists. America’s allies will distance themselves from America and its disregard for civil rights and decency at a time where America needs its allies more than ever. Furthermore, how can America ask any nation to respect human rights and decency when America itself fails to do so?

I love America, but the passage of this Tyranny and Torture Act has stretched this love to its limit. I want the world to know that I am currently ashamed to be an American, and that I shall continue to be ashamed to be an American until this Tyranny and Torture Act is repealed or otherwise struck down.

What will America tell the world in November 2006? Will we tell the world that we endorse those who would elevate tyranny and torture to law? Will we tell the world we don’t care if our leaders disregard liberty, justice, and decency? Or, will we tell the world that America is a moral nation that refuses to tolerate leaders who fail to defend human rights and decency.

The wikipedia article for this thing has a slightly disturbing excerpt –

“In General- No person may invoke the Geneva Conventions or any protocols thereto in any habeas corpus or other civil action or proceeding to which the United States, or a current or former officer, employee, member of the Armed Forces, or other agent of the United States is a party as a source of rights in any court of the United States or its States or territories.” [Act sec. 5(a)]

and

“As provided by the Constitution and by this section, the President has the authority for the United States to interpret the meaning and application of the Geneva Conventions and to promulgate higher standards and administrative regulations for violations of treaty obligations which are not grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions.” [Act sec. 6(a)(3)(A)]

So… does that mean that the Geneva Convention no longer applies, unless its convenient for the President that it should? :shock:

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